The Gulf States Newsroom is seeking an energetic and enterprising reporter to cover the economic realities that affect families and communities in our three states. The reporter will spot and explore region-wide patterns, examine economic challenges and successes and illuminate the factors that drive people’s economic well-being. The resulting stories will often be locally grounded but will resonate across the South. This is an exciting opportunity for someone intrigued by the rural county where jobs have disappeared, the suburb courting a big new employer, or the city struggling to address its food deserts. You’ll do some traveling across Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama to these kinds of places and more.
Location: New Orleans, LA; Birmingham, AL; Jackson, MS.
Salary Range: $60,000 - $65,000 depending on experience (APPLY HERE!)
Position open until filled, first review of applications begins March 27, 2026.
The Gulf States Newsroom is a collaboration among public radio stations in Alabama, Mississippi and Louisiana, along with NPR. Founded in 2020, it has established itself as a team that illuminates issues and amplifies underrepresented voices in this story-rich part of the country. Our work has been recognized with a number of awards, including a National Edward R. Murrow award for Investigative Reporting in the Large Market Radio category.
We track shifts in the region, from the building of data centers, to the challenges independent grocers have faced the last five years, and efforts to train a new generation of musicians after Hurricane Katrina. We follow up with communities to shed light on widely relevant issues like healthcare access in rural communities and the cost of a lifetime spent in prison.
The communities and families reporter reports directly to the Gulf States Newsroom Managing Editor and can be based at any of our partner stations: WBHM in Birmingham, WWNO in New Orleans, WRKF in Baton Rouge, or MPB in Jackson, Mississippi
Core Responsibilities
- Pitch, plan and report news, feature and enterprise stories for all platforms, including broadcast, digital and social media.
- Report from the field and collect audio, visuals and other materials to produce stories for all platforms.
- Collaborate with editors and show staff to shape on-air two-way discussions.
- Speak fluently and conversationally live on the air.
- Build web stories, including writing them and making photos and/or videos.
- Develop a robust network of sources that reflect the diversity of the region.
- Cover stories as assigned by the Gulf States Newsroom Managing Editor.
- Collaborate with editors and reporters at partner stations and with other Gulf States Newsroom reporters.
- Ensure that all work meets NPR News and station standards for accuracy, fairness, honesty and impartiality.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in Journalism or Communications or equivalent work experience.
Required Skills
- At least 2 years of reporting experience.
- Demonstrated ability to develop, report and write stories of interest to a regional audience.
- Ability to work quickly under deadline pressure and to report breaking stories for newscasts, shows and digital.
- Ability and willingness to travel to report stories across the Gulf region.
- Proven ability to work well with others, demonstrating respect for diverse constituencies within the public radio system.
Preferred Skills
- Familiarity with the public media system.
- Experience producing pieces, on-air conversations and live reports for radio, digital and social audiences.
- Experience covering economic issues facing communities and families.
- Familiarity with the Gulf States region.
- Ability to speak a language besides English.
Does this sound like you? If so, we want to hear from you. All applications must include a resume and cover letter (with 2 story links) to be considered. Apply Today.
FCC EEO Reports & WBHM Diversity Statement
Questions about this opportunity? Email [email protected]
UAB is an Equal Employment/Equal Educational Opportunity Institution dedicated to providing equal opportunities and equal access to all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, ethnic or national origin, sex (including pregnancy), genetic information, age, disability, and veteran’s status. As required by Title IX, UAB prohibits sex discrimination in any education program or activity that it operates. Individuals may report concerns or questions to UAB’s Assistant Vice President and Senior Title IX Coordinator. The Title IX notice of nondiscrimination is located at uab.edu/titleix.